Mike Tyson has shocked fans by revealing a near-death health scare just months before stepping into the ring against Jake Paul. The revelation adds to the controversy surrounding their Texas showdown.
Mike Tyson has opened up about the harsh health struggles he endured leading up to his fight with Jake Paul, revealing he ‘almost died’ just months before the bout and required multiple blood transfusions.
The 58-year-old boxing legend faced Paul in Texas on Friday, going eight two-minute rounds in a match where the younger fighter won on points, The event, however, was shrouded in controversy both before and after the fight.
Concerns had also been raised whether Tyson, at his age, should endure the rigors of a professional match. During the fight, Paul appeared to pull his punches at times, later admitting he did so because he didn’t want to hurt the former champion.
Adding to the controversy, Tyson revealed he lost ‘half’ of hi body’s blood during his health crisis but insisted he had no regrets about stepping into the ring one last time.
“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time,” he wrote on X.
“I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.
“To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you.”
Despite his defeat, Tyson hinted that he would be open to another match, even mentioning Logan Paul as a potential opponent immediately after the fight. However, his social media post referring to the bout as ‘one last time’, says otherwise.
Jake Paul praised Tyson after the fight, saying, “Mike Tyson, this is such an honour. He’s the greatest to ever do it. He is an icon. It was an honour to fight him. He was exactly what I thought he would be.”
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